KTN correspondent Japeth Makau passed away at a hospital in Machakos. According to his family, he died while undergoing treatment.
Japeth Makau joined KTN in 2009 as a full-time cameraman, a role he held until his death.
Japeth Makau was a camera operator with over 10 years of experience. As an award-winning journalist, he covered stories that transformed Kenya’s agriculture sector, including the shift from chemical to organic farming.
In 2018, at the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB) Kenya Media Awards, Japeth won the Cameraman of the Year award.
Throughout his career, he has done impactful stories in which youths have changed their attitude towards agriculture and have started Agribusiness ventures that have become their source of livelihoods.
KTN Journalist Japeth Makau Dies in Machakos Hospital
Some of the articles that he has written include, Octagon Africa, AlexForbes partner to expand retirement savings for MSMEs, Kenya secures global backing for expanded Haiti security Mission and Ruto allies dismiss TIFA polls, rally behind Kenya Kwanza.
Japeth Makau had a diverse skill set including industry knowledge, journalism, camera and studio camera operation, social media management, media relations, editing, press releases, public relations, and event planning.
Makau attended the Kenya Institute of Professional Studies, where he earned a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies from 2007 to 2010.
Also Read: Kenyan Veteran Journalist Dies of Heart Attack
Notable Journalists Who Passed Away In 2025
Last year, several notable journalists died. This included renowned KBC journalist Festus Amimo.
The KBC journalist who served as the Head of KBC Dholuo – Mayienga Radio died in the early morning of Sunday, December 7, 2025.
His death was announced by Mayienga FM radio station through their social media pages. Festus Amimo reportedly collapsed in his house in the morning as he prepared to go to work.
In August 2025, Kenya’s automotive and media fraternity mourned the passing of Trevor Lamenya — fondly known by many as “Big Boy Trev”.
He died after a short illness, his family confirmed.
Also Read: Journalist Big Boy Trev Dies After Short Illness
In April, Celebrated Kenyan journalist Ben Ochieng Ogodo died. The journalist experienced sudden and severe chest pain while resting at home.
Veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela also passed away.
His family, through his daughter-in-law Anne Mbotela, confirmed that the veteran radio presenter Leonard Mambo Mbotela passed away on Friday, February 7.
The renowned broadcaster had been unwell for some time, and he breathed his last at around 9:30 on Friday at the age of 85.
Additionally, in January 2025 popular Kenyan writer and journalist Rasna Warah died. The news of her demise was confirmed by family friend Al-Amin Kimathi who expressed his deep sorrow and offered condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
